A Flat in Diagon Alley

Nicolas collapsed into his armchair. The armchair that came with this home--or rather, a condo of some sorts--along with many other furnishings. He'd decided to go with a furnished house since he pretty much only had the clothes on his back. Whatever was in savings would go to things like food, rent, and things for the incoming baby when it was around time for him (or her) to be born.

But alas, getting a furnished flat was more expensive, so he didn't really have much money to put back for food, rent, and baby things. He was hoping that Rachel was bringing some of that. However, it didn't really matter, as before he'd left Eric's house, he'd gone to the ministry to apply for a position as an Auror. Said application was being processed and put into the system, but they had told him that due to his fighting in the battle, his grades, things of the like--it looked like he would be getting the position.

Thinking of that brought a smile onto his face. Thinking about how easy it would be to unpack, as he only had a couple of suitcases--that also made him smile. Thinking about Rachel and the idea of the baby--well, that turned the smile into a grin. He was taking the whole "becoming a father straight out of school, getting a job and having to support a family" thing in stride. How tough could a job at the ministry be, anyway?

Rachel knocked on the door of the apartment. Behind her, floating magically, were three medium sized boxes. Rachel didn't have much either, as her parents basically kicked her out of the house. But, she still seemed pretty content. In the boxes, were some old clothes, and personal belongings.

It had been a few weeks since Nicolas had last seen her, and she was already gaining a bit of weight. But she was happy looking, even hopeful looking. As she looked at the outside of the apartment, her spirits cheered up. Nick had been able to afford to get a nicer place, instead of those old grungy, dangerous places near Knockturn Alley.

Maybe things would work out after all.

Nicolas groaned, and got up from the chair. Right as he was getting to relax. However, it was probably Rachel, who had agreed to come move in once Nick had gotten settled. He crossed the living room, and opened the door, giving her a hug.

"Come on in!" he told her, waving her in and shutting the door behind her and her boxes. "Do you need any help unpacking, or can you just get it by yourself?"

"I got it, don't worry! I don't have much, anyway. You sit down and relax." she said briskly. She set down the boxes, and she looked around the apartment, admiring everything. "This is a very nice place you got here! But, in a few days, I might need a little help. My sewing machine is coming in."

And as Rachel began to unpacking her things, and put her clothes away, she was chatting the whole time.

"-And I got a job, so we can have more income coming in. I'm going to be working at a robe shop. Only for part time, and I'll be taking off time a month or so before the due date. When do you begin work?"

Nicolas leaned against the frame in the doorway. "I don't know. I don't even have the position secured yet, but they said it really looked like I'd have it. If anything, I'd say some time around when Hogwarts starts up their year again?" He sighed. "I'm nervous. I know I'll get it, but... I guess I'm just nervous about starting a new job, huh? I shouldn't worry."

Rachel walked over, and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Don't worry! You'll do just fine at the job. And you will meet a lot of new friends and people... it'll be a great experience." she laughed weakly. "It'll be better then being stuck in a shop all day, anyway."

He smiled weakly. "I guess you're right. But, who knows, maybe I'll have loads of paperwork to do, and then I'll be stuck in an office all day, too!"

"Oh, don't look so forlorn!" exclaimed Rachel. She then reached over and ruffled up his hair. "You'll be just fine! And if someone bad happens, I'll be here."

He wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close to him. "I know. And if anyone tries to mess with you, I'll keep you safe."

"Why would anyone try to mess with me? I'm not asking for trouble." but she leaned herself into his body.

"I don't know. Why would anyone mess with me?" He gave her a light squeeze.

"I'm not sure... but that's because no one will." Rachel looked up, and smiled at him. "I'm going to knit you a scarf!"

He smiled warmly, deciding not to point out that it was the middle of summer. "That's great! I'm sure it'll be beautiful."

"Yeah, hopefully! I know it's in the middle of the summer, but you never know when we'll get a cold front around these parts. What color yarn should I use?"

Nicolas thought for a moment before telling her, "Yellow! For Hufflepuff spirit."

"Okay! I can do that! And I'll also knit in some blue and black yarn too. A plain yellow scarf would clash with your hair."

"Er, Nick..." Rachel suddenly looked awkward. "...Does this mean we're married? Now that we're going to be moved in and stuff?"

"... Well, not automatically. I mean, don't we need some certificate? And at least some small ceremony. But yes, I imagine that we will be getting married... some time before the baby arrives, at least."

She sighed. "Your right... I was just being silly." Rachel then reached over and pulled out a flowery yellow quilt and spread it on the bed, giving it an out of place feel.

"I'm going to visit Karin's grave later. Do you want to come?"

[[Just imagine if Rachel got a miscarriage.]]

(DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.)

[[That would be terrible!]]

Nicolas shrugged. "If you want me to, sure."

"Nah, you can come only if you want too. It won't take long; I just want to place some flowers."

Rachel was home again, at the kitchen, cooking dinner. She had gotten off work a few hours ago, and she had been working Nick's scarf during that period of time, and now since the day was coming to an end, she ha been start dinner. She had began to cook some potatoes, and now she was preparing some meat. Life was happy and all, but she hadn't gotten any visitors in a while, so she kept her hopes up for one.

Rachel looked up at the clock, and noted the time-Lunch time. Then, she remembered that Nick didn't pack anything, and they might not serve anything at the Ministry. Maybe she should bring him lunch, and visit him on the first time.